Been training for about 6 months. I've never run a race before but I run my first 8K on Saturday. I'm nervous and excited about it.

Any tips?

20 points · 9 comments · view on lemmy.world

9 Comments

SkaraBrae@lemmy.world · 9 pts · 160d (2 replies)
  1. It's a bit of a trope, by now, but, nothing new on race day! No new shoes, socks, shorts, shirts, foods, etc. Do the same as you do on training day.

  2. Pee as late as you can before the start. A nervous wee before the race can save you queuing up mid-race.

  3. Ignore the pace of crowd. Make your first km your slowest. It will set you up for a strong finish.

  4. Look around. Enjoy the sights. Say hi to your fellow runners: there are some amazing people out there and a good conversation can help you go the distance.

SharkyAttack@lemmy.world · 4 pts · 160d

All great advice. Do this, and good luck!

LordFireCrotch@lemmy.today · 2 pts · 156d

Thanks for the tips! Peeing just before was a great one.

We ran right along the east coast US. It was a gorgeous day

Ilandar@lemmy.today · 6 pts · 160d (1 reply)

Just try to relax and enjoy it. With 6 months of training you should be more than ready, you've got this!

LordFireCrotch@lemmy.today · 2 pts · 156d

I was definitely more ready than I thought I would be. Jitters I guess.

Thanks!

Zagorath@quokk.au · 3 pts · 159d (1 reply)

No advice that hasn't already been said. Just good luck! (Assuming you're European or from the Americas. If you're in Asia or Oceania, I hope it went well!)

Is 8k going to be the longest run you've ever done, or have you done it before in training?

LordFireCrotch@lemmy.today · 2 pts · 156d

Never done full 8k in training. But I got maybe 75% of the way. Had a lot of fun at the race! Thanks for the assist.

Squirrelsdrivemenuts@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 159d (1 reply)

Make sure you have some good recovery food and drinks and warm clothes for after the finish. The race sometimes provides it but it might not be what you need/crave when you've put in a hard effort.

LordFireCrotch@lemmy.today · 1 pts · 156d

The race had a ton of stuff afterwards. Had me 2 pints just after, that was some killer recovery beverages 😄